Chelsea victory parade due after Champions League win
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Chelsea fans across the world are celebrating their team’s historic Champions League win, as a victory parade in west London is planned.
Hordes of jubilant supporters are expected to salute their heroes during an open-top bus parade after the dramatic victory over Bayern Munich.
The procession is due to start from Stamford Bridge at 16:00 BST.
It comes less than 24 hours after the Blues won 4-3 on penalties at Bayern Munich’s home ground in Germany.
Bayern had looked on course to win their fifth European Cup when they scored late in the game to give them a 1-0 lead.
But Didier Drogba equalised from a corner in the 88th minute to take the match into extra time.
A penalty by Bayern winger Arjen Robben was later saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, leaving the final to be decided in a shootout.
As well as the Champions League trophy – the first time it has ever been won by Chelsea or any London club – the players, management and staff of Chelsea will show off the FA Cup during the parade.
The Blues beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley on 5 May to clinch that silverware.
The parade will begin from Stamford Bridge’s west entrance before travelling east along Fulham Road.
It will turn right into Hortensia Road and then right again on to King’s Road and on to New King’s Road.
It is expected to take about 35 minutes for the team to arrive at Eel Brook Common, where the bus will make a short stop.
The parade will end at Parsons Green.
During Chelsea’s last victory parade, in 2010, some 70,000 fans lined the streets.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is closing several local roads for the event.
Councillor Nick Botterill, the authority’s deputy leader, said: “Chelsea’s historic Champions League and FA Cup double is a monumental achievement that will never be forgotten in these parts.
“Like a phoenix from the flames, Roberto Di Matteo turned around what could have been a disappointing year for the Blues to deliver the top prize in world club football to west London.
“We are proud to have three magnificent football clubs in our small borough – but this will forever be remembered as the year the Blues achieved their European destiny.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police will be in the area to assist.
“There will be some police presence to make sure everyone is safe.
“We will need to manage the crowd to make sure too many people aren’t in one area at one time.”
There are no plans for a victory parade for West Ham, who won the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
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